Empowering Our Kids: Clear Answers to Their Questions About Climate Change

Tom’s family was getting ready to evacuate from bushfires in regional Victoria five years ago when they suddenly realized something was missing—little Tom, just two and a half years old. After a frantic search, they found him at the end of the driveway, dressed in only a diaper, sandals, and a bike helmet. He was ready for an adventure, having stuffed his backpack with his favorite toys and some diaper cream.

Tom’s actions reflect how young children in bushfire-prone areas learn early about the risks of climate change. Kids living in these environments are especially attuned to changes in the climate and are curious and concerned about what they see. Many children are noticing hotter summers, less snow in winter, and the jobs that disappear with changing weather patterns.

A recent study found that 89% of Australian kids aged 12 and 13 believe climate change is a serious issue. Alarmingly, about 38% of teenagers reported feeling anxious about it. These young voices are asking tough questions about their future and the planet. As parents, we often find ourselves at a loss for how to explain these complex issues to our kids.

To help bridge this gap, we created Climate Kids, a YouTube series that addresses children’s real-life questions about climate change. The first season has five episodes that tackle a range of topics—from why snow is disappearing to the ongoing extraction of fossil fuels. Each episode is designed to be entertaining and accessible, featuring animations and engaging storytelling.

One approach we’ve taken is using a time travel narrative. Dr. Linden Ashcroft, a climate scientist, travels to the future to show kids a world where we’ve effectively tackled the climate crisis. This story device aims to reduce anxiety and empower children with knowledge about actions they can take.

Research suggests that taking steps to address climate issues, especially in nature, helps alleviate climate-related anxiety. When children express their concerns about climate change, their parents are more likely to listen and act. This shows that kids can be powerful agents of change.

In one of the episodes, children from the Victorian Alps ask why they aren’t seeing much snow in winter. This reflects broader concerns about climate change felt even by the youngest among us. Tom himself, still living in the bush, wonders why we can’t just stop companies from mining fossil fuels. The episode answers his question through a creative historical lens, drawing connections between past and present.

This series isn’t just for kids; we hope adults will watch along too. Many parents feel unprepared to engage in climate discussions or take action. In fact, a positive climate future is within reach, but it requires urgent efforts from governments and businesses worldwide.

The Climate Kids videos are free and available for teachers and media outlets, making them an accessible resource for anyone interested in educating children about climate change.

By answering children’s questions, we not only validate their concerns but also inspire hope for a better future. Let’s keep talking about climate change, both with kids and among ourselves.

Check out this related article: Facing the Environmental Polycrisis: Why Demanding Transparency is Our First Step Toward Change

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